Earth Charter International Plan for the Rio 2012 Conference

The Rio 2012 Conference
In June 2012, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) or the “Rio 2012 Conference” will take place in Rio de Janeiro. The Rio 2012 Conference’s objectives are to (a) secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, (b) assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development, and (c) address new and emerging challenges.

The Conference will also focus on the following two themes: (a) a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and, (b) the institutional framework for sustainable development.

Earth Charter and Rio 2012
The goal of the Earth Charter Initiative for Rio 2012 is to emphasize the need for a comprehensive ethical framework, articulating shared values and principles to inspire and guide different actors in the transition to a sustainable future. The aim is also to demonstrate the relevance of the Earth Charter to the objectives of the Rio 2012 Conference and its process.

The EC Initiative Rio 2012 objectives are to:
1.    Collaborate with the preparatory process and help ensure the successful outcome of the Rio 2012 goals.

2.    Draw government and non-state actors’ attention to the need for an inclusive ethical framework and shared values that inspire and help guide intergovernmental and governmental decisions towards strong sustainability and a green economy, and show the role the Earth Charter can play in facilitating this process.

3.    Present the Earth Charter as a comprehensive articulation of shared values and a vision of strong sustainability, and as an integrated ethical foundation for a green economy.

4.    Invite governments and non-state actors to make use of the Earth Charter as an ethical framework and guide for advancing sustainability.



The Earth Charter can play a vital role in helping to inspire renewed political commitment expected for Rio 2012 and the necessary renewal as acknowledged by the European Economic and Social Committee which has recommended that “The Summit should recognise and support the Earth Charter as a means of inspiring commitment and action by individuals and organisations around the world”. Click here to see this whole document

Learn more about the synergies between the efforts undertaken under the umbrellas of Green Economy and the Earth Charter with these materials:

• Article:  The Earth Charter and the Green Economy. By ECI Secretariat. 
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For more information on the conference visit